Spoonleaf sundew is a carnivorous plant. Its leaves are covered with glands that produce sweet nectar to attract insects. The plant captures insects with its sticky hairs and then secretes digestive enzymes to absorb the insect’s nutrients.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Drosera intermedia, commonly known as the oblong-leaved sundew, spoonleaf sundew, or spatulate leaved sundew, is an insectivorous plant species belonging to the sundew genus. It is a temperate or tropical species.
Drosera intermedia is one of the most widely distributed species in the genus, and one of only three Drosera species native to Europe (the others are D. rotundifolia and D. anglica). It is also found in eastern North America, Cuba, and northern South America. The Cuban and South American forms are tropical and do not form hibernacula in the winter.
Drosera intermedia is a perennial herb which forms a semi-erect stemless rosette of spatulate leaves up to 10 cm tall. Plants in temperate regions undergo dormancy during which they form a winter resting bud called a hibernaculum.
As is typical for sundews, the leaf blades are densely covered with stalked mucilaginous glands which secrete a sugary nectar to attract insects. These then become ensnared by the mucilage and, unless they are strong enough to escape, are suffocated or die from exhaustion. The plant then secretes digestive enzymes from sessile glands and later absorbs the resulting nutrient solution to supplement the poor mineral nutrition of the plants natural environment.
Drosera intermedia blooms from June through August, forming up to 15 cm. tall inflorescences bearing 3–8 white flowers. Fertilized ovaries swell to form egg-shaped dehiscent seed capsules which bear numerous tiny seeds.
Drosera intermedia grows in sunny, but constantly moist habitats including bogs, fens, wet sandy shorelines and wet meadows. Since it is carnivorous, it is able to occupy relatively infertile habitats including wet sand and peat. It is a relatively weak competitor, and so is excluded from more fertile sites by competition from canopy-forming perennials. It can survive high water periods as buried seeds, and then re-establish when water levels fall.
II. How to Grow and Care
Spoonleaf sundew is a carnivorous plant requiring a consistently moist, acidic substrate and high humidity. Most critical for its care is water quality—use only distilled, rain, or reverse-osmosis water. Despite these specific needs, spoonleaf sundew is relatively adaptable and can be considered an easy plant to care for, ideal for beginners interested in carnivorous plants.
Sunlight
Spoonleaf sundew flourishes best in full sun conditions where it can soak up the rays for at least six hours a day. The optimal light intensity promotes vigorous growth and enhances the plant’s carnivorous capabilities. While spoonleaf sundew tolerates some variations in light, insufficient sun can lead to weak growth and a reduction in the plant’s ability to trap insects.
Adaptations like leaf color intensification occur with ample sunlight, acting as an attractive lure for prey. Outdoor cultivation should aim for open, unshaded areas. Indoor cultivation is less common but requires a bright spot, typically by a south-facing window to mimic the plant’s natural environment.
Watering
Originating from humid environments, spoonleaf sundew thrives in consistently moist conditions that mimic its natural boggy habitats. This carnivorous plant exhibits a high tolerance for humidity and requires a delicate balance of water to maintain its sticky traps for prey. Watering should occur twice a week to sustain its preferred moisture levels. Typically grown outdoors due to its need for a high-humidity environment, spoonleaf sundew benefits significantly from the presence of morning dew which aids in keeping its mucilaginous glands hydrated for effective insect capture.
Propagation
Spoonleaf sundew can be propagated through cuttings which involves selecting healthy leaf portions that include a section of the petiole. It is critical to use a sharp, sterilized cutting tool to prevent infection and damage. Place the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring high humidity and stable, indirect light to encourage root development. Patience is key, as roots may take some time to establish. Once new growth is evident, gradually acclimate spoonleaf sundew to less humid conditions.
Transplanting
For spoonleaf sundew, the prime transplanting window is during mid to late spring, tapping into the vigorous growth season. Choose a sunny, boggy location mimicking its natural habitat. Gentle handling is key to protect its delicate roots and foliage.
Repotting
Repot spoonleaf sundew every 2-3 years, best in spring—the carnivorous plant’s active growth period. For this small rosette, choose shallow pots mirroring its natural bog habitat. Post-repotting, maintain high humidity with distilled water, avoiding fertilizers to let spoonleaf sundew’s sticky traps do their work. A slightly larger container each time supports healthy development, ensuring spoonleaf sundew’s unique insect-catching leaves thrive.
Dormancy
Requires a period of dormancy from September until the end of February and beginning of March depending on the region. All leaves will turn brown-black and die to leave a hibernaculum during this time. Leave them outside in full sun, always in a soggy substrate.
III. Uses and Benefits
Spoonleaf sundew is extremely cold-hardy and often used as an ornamental plant.
